Saints’ Kenny Vaccaro named to all-rookie team

Saints’ Kenny Vaccaro named to all-rookie team

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD -- New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) warms up before game against the Dolphins Monday, Sept. 30, 2013, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

A New Orleans Saints player earned postseason honors from the Professional Football Writers of America for the second day in a row Tuesday as strong safety Kenny Vaccaro was voted to the All-Rookie team.

Vaccaro, the 15th overall pick in the draft last spring, was a 14-game starter who ranked third on the team with 92 tackles before fracturing his ankle in a Week 16 game with the Carolina Panthers.

The former University of Texas star had one interception and a sack and broke up six passes, including a fourth-down pass in the final seconds that sealed a season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons.

On Monday, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was named a first-team All-Pro pick by the writers. He and quarterback Drew Brees were chosen to the All-NFC squad.

Three other local players were on the All-Rookie team: Green Bay running back Eddie Lacy (Dutchtown High School/Alabama), San Francisco safety Eric Reid (Dutchtown/LSU) and Arizona safety Tyrann Mathieu (St. Augustine High School/LSU).

Saints sign five

The Saints signed five of the eight players on their practice squad at the end of the year to reserve/future contracts.

Included was former Southern University wide receiver Charles Hawkins, who was added to the practice squad Dec. 25. Hawkins was in training camp with the Arizona Cardinals last season.

Other signings

Since the conclusion of the regular season, the Saints also signed three free agents to futures contracts: kicker Derek Dimke (Illinois), tackle Ty Nsekhe (Texas State) and defensive back Derrius Brooks (Western Kentucky).